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BULGARIAN MILITARY
The Indian Navy’s F31 Brahmaputra Project 16A frigate has tragically capsized and sunk in Mumbai harbor while undergoing repairs at the Mumbai Dockyard, according to reports from Indian media.
On the evening of July 21, 2024, a fire erupted on the F31 Brahmaputra frigate, which was in port for repairs. Fire crews responded swiftly and battled the blaze throughout the night, finally extinguishing it in the morning. However, as they brought the fire under control, the ship began to roll to port and sank rapidly. Despite all efforts, the frigate ended up lying completely on its port side by evening, submerged near the equipment wall. During this unfortunate incident, one crew member went missing.
The cause of the capsizing remains unclear at this time, with the Indian Navy considering several possibilities, including errors in firefighting procedures and potential damage to the ship’s hull integrity during the blaze. A thorough investigation is expected once the ship is raised. It’s worth noting that the Indian Navy has faced a similar situation before; in 2016, the F39 Betwa frigate of the same Project 16A capsized at the same location while leaving dry dock. This series of incidents raises questions about the structural integrity of these frigates.
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Defense Minister Rajnath Singh has instructed the Navy Chief to take appropriate measures following an incident on an Indian warship. On X [formerly Twitter], Singh’s office shared that Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi briefed the Defense Minister about a fire on the Indian Navy ship Brahmaputra, detailing the resultant damage. “The Defense Minister prays for the safety of the missing sailor,” the post concluded.
According to an official statement by the Indian Navy, a fire erupted on board the multipurpose frigate Brahmaputra on the evening of July 21, 2024, during repair operations. The ship’s crew, alongside firefighters from the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai and nearby ships, managed to control the blaze by the following morning, July 22, 2024. Follow-up actions, including sanitary checks, were conducted to assess any remaining fire risks.
About F31 Brahmaputra
The Indian Navy’s F31 Brahmaputra frigate stands as the flagship of the Brahmaputra-class guided-missile frigates. Designed and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers [GRSE] in Kolkata, India, the Brahmaputra class showcases India’s prowess in indigenous warship-building.
Laid down in 1994, launched in 1997, and officially commissioned on April 14, 2000, the F31 Brahmaputra marks a milestone in the advancement of India’s naval capabilities. Measuring approximately 126 meters [413 feet] in length, with a beam of 14.5 meters [47.6 feet] and a draft of 4.5 meters [14.8 feet], the Brahmaputra frigate is well-suited to operate in diverse maritime environments.
Powered by a combined diesel or gas [CODOG] propulsion system, the F31 Brahmaputra boasts two SEMT Pielstick diesel engines and two GE LM2500 gas turbines, enabling it to reach top speeds of around 30 knots [56 km/h; 35 mph].
F31’s systems and armament
The Brahmaputra-class frigate has a displacement of approximately 3,850 tons when fully loaded. This classifies it as a medium-sized warship, which makes it versatile enough to handle a variety of naval missions. The vessel operates with a crew of around 313 personnel, including both officers and enlisted sailors. This number ensures the efficient operation of the ship and the maintenance of its numerous systems and weapons.
It’s equipped with advanced control systems that include radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems. These upgrades significantly enhance the ship’s situational awareness and combat readiness.
F31 operational history
Throughout its operational history, the F31 Brahmaputra has been involved in numerous naval exercises and missions, both domestically and internationally. One of its primary roles has been to serve as a versatile platform capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-aircraft warfare, and anti-surface warfare. The ship has participated in various joint exercises with navies from around the world, including the United States, Russia, and other allied nations, enhancing interoperability and strengthening maritime partnerships.
The F31 Brahmaputra has also played a crucial role in humanitarian missions and disaster relief operations. For instance, it was actively involved in the Indian Navy’s Operation Sukoon in 2006, a large-scale evacuation operation to rescue Indian citizens and other nationals from the conflict zone in Lebanon. The ship’s versatility and capability to operate in diverse maritime environments have made it a valuable asset in such missions.
In addition to its operational duties, the F31 Brahmaputra has been part of several goodwill visits and port calls to foster diplomatic relations. These visits have included stops in countries across the Indian Ocean region, Southeast Asia, and beyond, showcasing the Indian Navy’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region.
The Brahmaputra frigate has also undergone periodic upgrades and refits to ensure it remains at the cutting edge of naval technology. These upgrades have included enhancements to its weapon systems, radar, and electronic warfare capabilities, ensuring that the ship remains a formidable force in the Indian Navy’s fleet.